Chapter: Psalm 64

Laments

More than 1/3 of the Psalms fall into the category of complaints to God in situations of limitation or threat. These laments were a form of prayer and praise based on the conviction that God is concerned about people and answers the human cry in ways surpassing human expectation or understanding. Israel’s laments out of distress were a way of praising God even when he seemed absent. The faith of the psalmists is founded on the good news that God intervenes in desperate situations to help those who are distressed. The psalmists share a deep confidence that God is compassionate, concerned, hearing his people and involved with them; God is faithful and trustworthy. A lament is an outcry to God from a responsive heart. Laments came from individuals or from the community.

Examples: Psalms 3-5, 22, 27:7-14, 42, 51, 69, 90, 130, 137 and many others

64

Exaudi, Deus

¹ Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; *

preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

² Hide me from the gathering together of the wicked, *

and from the tumult of evildoers,

³ Who have whet their tongue like a sword, *

and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words,

⁴ That they may secretly shoot at the one who is blameless; *

suddenly do they shoot him, and fear not.

⁵ They hold fast to their evil purpose, *

and discuss among themselves how they may lay snares, and say that no one shall see them.

⁶ They imagine wickedness, and practice a cunning plot; *

for the human heart and mind are very deep.

⁷ But God shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift arrow, *

and they shall be wounded.

⁸ Indeed, their own tongues shall make them fall, *

so that all who see them shall laugh them to scorn.

⁹ And all shall fear and tell what God has done, *

for they shall perceive that it is his work.

¹⁰ The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord and put their trust in him, *

and all who are true of heart shall be glad.